This is probably specific to the Pixel phones, not sure how much if any is relevant to other manufacturers.

1. Call screening and spam filtering is amazing. Having the phone automatically screen unknown callers means I haven’t had to deal with a spam caller in years. And valid callers don’t seem to have any problems understanding whats happening anymore. I used to get several who confused it for a voice mail when it first came out, but now it seems they understand how to leave a screening message and wait for me to pick up.

2. The phone tree and hold for me when calling businesses. Being able to read the options and click the text makes it so much easier to get through the options without having to really pay attention, then having it hold for me until a person answers lets me do other things instead of having to keep listening.

3. Song identification on the lock screen. Whether I’m out at a bar or restaurant or at home watching a TV show and a song I like but don’t know starts playing, being able to see exactly what it is without even touching my phone is so convenient. I’ve found so many cool new bands I never would have without this feature. Its also amazing how it can often identify covers made specifically for TV shows right when they first air.

4. Amazing camera and cool features like photo sphere and the new magic eraser. The camera might not be as head and shoulders above Samsung and Apple as it was in the past but it’s still always amazing how well it does in different conditions.

Browser choice. Actually browser ENGINE choice. And the ability to set my own default apps, including the launcher.

F-droid. Side loading.

There is a lot more freedom on Android. I want to be able to side load.

I decide how I use my phone vs my phone decides how I use it

Customization, and the access to apps on Google Play or even just on the internet. As long as you agree to accept liability, you can download pretty much any app package file and run It.

Apple is a lot more strict about only being able to download published apps, only from the App Store

Number of reasons

• F-droid(Basically not having to go through proprietary app store) and apps only on them
• Multitasking is leaps and bounds better(windowed mode, split screen…)
• Fingerprint
• SD card
• Connect phone on Win11 (I know it’s microsoft but it works great and I don’t ever plan to use Mac
• Customization, which is basically non-existent in iOS
• Samsung Dex. It’s a bit more than a gimmik to me.
• File management. Iphone is a freaking joke

There are some things that iPhone is just better but all those things are things that I can live without.

I only really use my phone for light browsing, texting, and calling.

I decided to splash out for my current phone, so that I could use it for 5+ years. $700 new in 2018, 8GB RAM, 256 Storage, Octacore CPU, 3700 mAh battery. OnePlus stopped pushing security updates, so I flashed another ROM that is still being updated. I expect this thing to run for a few more years.

The iPhone out in 2018 was the XS. the 256 GB version was $1150; worse CPU, worse battery, less RAM. I believe Apple is still supporting it for updates, but it should be near EOL.

The whole thing revolves around being ableto flash a ROM, though. For me it’s a no-brainer, but I don’t begrudge anyone for not being willing. If I wasn’t going to do that… I might actually get an iPhone, just for the extended shelf life. > Z Fold 3

1/3 the price

I use a custom privacy focused rom, which I cant do on iOS.

Sideloading. And I refuse to pay Apple’s insane prices tbh.

Because I can use the real Firefox and not a Webkit imposter. I tried an iPhone for a year but it was too restrictive for me. Having a choice in phone manufacturer helps too. I’ve had phones from many different companies over the years.

I use Windows, Linux and MacOS daily, and want a phone where the connectivity features don’t care what platform I’m on. iOS wants you to be on other Apple devices.

Beyond that, Android is more flexible. I don’t do much fiddling with my phone’s configuration but I like to have the option.

Lastly, I just like the interface better. That’s subjective, and no I understand completely why iphone folks prefer that interface, but I like the stock android interface much better.

There and lots of small reasons that ebb and flow with Android release but I have one red line I will not cross:

The OS on any portable computer of mine must always allow me to develop personal use software with no subscription or gatekeeping to the development, installation or continued use of that software.

That, so far, rules out all iOS devices. And really iOS and Android are the only players in the game worth using, so I’ve been and android user since installing the first beta on an SD card for my Windows Mobile HTC Blueangel

In no particular order

• File management works like a charm
• USB-C and fast charging
• Customizations
• Custom ROMs
• Privacy (getting a Pixel soon for GrapheneOS)
• Easier to repair
• More efficient (takes less steps to do stuff)
• Looks better
• Sideloading
• More choices for phones

I think for me a big thing is price. I like being able to buy a cheaper phone and just have a SIM only plan. I also love YouTube revanced and could not live without it so I guess I’m stuck Android.